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shelley grey lynn
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13/05/2011 9:57:30 a.m.
matakana market vs avondale market
I visit Matakana market regularly. Often enough that I know the jam lady, smoked onion and garlic guy and pear couple by name. The food is crafted, grown lovingly and although prices reflect this, it is a superb farmers' market experience.
But could I feed the family from purchases at a farmers' market? Perhaps for those with fat wallets or small households, this is possible, but the majority can not afford to pay such prices for everyday fresh fruit, vegetables, meat. In contrast, a visit to the less staged Avondale market offers bundles of fruit, vegetables, fish and unusual products.
In a quick scoot around Avondale market last week I gleaned juicy emerald limes and basil leaves the size of my palm, carrots like police batons, oversized kumara and glossy green cooking apples. An hour and twenty five dollars later had me laden with too many bags to carry.
Large scale markets offer products not found in the standard supermarket or produce shop for a fraction of the price. High quality products are on offer, but it is also the place to go for a box of ripe cooking tomatoes or a glut of asian greens. I urge you - put on good walking shoes, arm yourself with sound shopping bags and give your local large scale market a go.
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